Sami Zayn's Biggest Fight Will Be Against WWE's Decision-Makers

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Expect Sami Zayn's WWE story to be a lot like Daniel Bryan's, though—one filled with questions about his size.

In NXT's Sami Zayn, WWE knows it has a stick of dynamite waiting to be lit. When the company acquired the Canadian back in 2013 and stripped him of his mask and ring name, many wondered if Zayn would just be another story of missed opportunity. Signs, though, point to WWE being fully invested in the thrilling athlete once known as El Generico. He's speeding toward greatness, and his mesmerizing act at NXT sure to lead Zayn to bamboozling audiences at WWE level. Zayn's thrilling ring-work combined with his suave, understated personality make him a prospect overflowing with sheer potential. Currently out through injury until early 2016, unless WWE are too stubborn to offer Zayn a legitimate shot because he's no bulking brute, the company has a future megastar at their disposal ready to make the leap from Full Sail University to WWE. In NXT, only Adrian Neville (or just Neville) could equal the Canadian in terms of speed, but even that electric dynamo doesn't have as much energy as Zayn. He pumps excitement into his bouts, and can consistently churn out classics. His move-set's an entertaining blend of indy favorites like the Michinoku Driver || and impressive flying moves like the plancha. Good luck keeping your jaw from dropping open when Zayn executes those maneuvers.

Those traits, accompanied by his extensive indy experience, athletic prowess and a flair for the perfect facial expressions, have led to Sami being the kind of wrestler who can compose a classic against just about any opponent. Compile the 10 best NXT matches, and Zayn's name has to appear several times. Expect Sami Zayn's WWE story to be a lot like Daniel Bryan's, though—one filled with questions about his size. At 6'0" and 193 pounds, per WWE.com, he's far from intimidating physically. He's lanky and not as toned as the comic-book, superhero-like physiques that populate the roster. Despite his phenomenal in-ring talent making Zayn almost instantly worthy of a world title slot, WWE officials are likely to have doubts about whether Zayn is believable as Champion. While smaller wrestlers without the body-building physique such as Rey Mysterio and Daniel Bryan have been getting better treatment in recent years, old habits die hard. Zayn's size will probably always be a hindrance to him in the eyes of bookers, even if it is not immediately obvious. Nor does Zayn really have the mainstream appeal needed to be a breakthrough star. Can you see Zayn scoring sponsorship deals left and right? Or going on late-night talk shows on a regular basis? Or appearing in several movies? It's a tough one, isn't it? Zayn's unconventional looks, down-to-Earth personality and "everyman" quality has ensured his popularity with audiences down in developmental, as it will the WWE Universe, but it will also limit him somewhat. He really doesn't have the over-the-top charisma that major stars like Cena, Austin and Rock before him had.

Image: SportsNet

Right, I'm probably aiming higher than I should here—mentioning humongous stars like Austin and Rock—but if the WWE has to choose between Zayn and more muscular men like Roman Reigns, Rusev or Bray Wyatt for a spot on the marquee, he's going to be at a disadvantage. WWE's history of pushing men like Batista and John Cena is evidence of that. His promo style may hold him back some as well. As admirably charming as he is, his character will have a hard time standing out in the loud, exaggerated cast of characters that is WWE. Zayn's unassuming demeanour will have some ambitious women daydreaming about having coffee with him, but it may not be sufficiently larger-than-life enough to catch on once he reaches the main roster. He's definitely not in the same mould as Bray Wyatt on the mic, or Barrett, or Miz, or Dean Ambrose, or Paul Heyman. At times, Zayn can deliver a powerful but subtle performance. A patient WWE Creative will allow Zayn to keep that kind of level of intensity and volume and wait for his personality to grow on the audience. He offers an interesting contrast to the larger personalities of Dolph Ziggler, Rollins and Cena.

WWE, though, may not see things that way and hesitate to push Zayn forward, thinking the Canadian too quiet and too small. Regardless, Zayn has the magnetism and wealth of assets to become a World Champion and a regular headliner in the distant future. He's that good; he's one of the best in the business. As CM Punk and Daniel Bryan have exemplified in the past, indy wrestlers perceived as undersized can generate vocal, passionate fanbases. Zayn, though still in need of some refinement, is fully capable of being the next Superstar in that vein. He can headline a major event, wear gold and battle the company's top stars. Zayn battling against Cena, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, Cesaro and Kevin Owens would assure that WWE adds to its collection of memorable matches. His biggest fight, though, will be against WWE's decision-makers. He simply doesn't look like the warrior that he is, and that'll be the chain around his ankle that will prevent him from reaching full speed. More: Neville needs refinement